AUSTIN, TX—Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. invites the public and members of the media to a press conference aimed at expanding public awareness of child abuse, informing the public of child protection initiatives and encouraging reporting of abuse to the proper authorities as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

"It is our duty to do everything possible to stop child abuse. Sadly, child abuse occurs, but we can make it stop if we are aware and we take action," said Sen. Lucio. "Children are innocent victims and deserve our full effort to protect them. It is incumbent on all of us to make this stop. Please listen to what children are saying, watch for any signs of child abuse, and don't assume someone else will solve the problem. Take the initiative. I think it is important that we get this message out now during Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month and recognize all the wonderful groups in our area who reach out to protect our children."

Note: Last year, 280 Texas children died because of abuse or neglect at the hands of their parents or guardians, and 68,326 children were confirmed victims of abuse or neglect. In Senate District 27 there were a total of 14 child deaths last year, up from 12 in 2008. The child population only increased by 2 percent, but the deaths because of abuse or neglect rose by 17 percent. Cameron County alone had four child deaths. The number of confirmed abuse and neglect cases in Cameron County increased by 52 percent last year. Report suspected abuse or neglect to the Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or online at www.txabusehotline.org

Statistics are from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

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